Drowning Homeowners Finally Get Some Much Needed Support With HARP
Thursday, February 23rd, 2012
Obama’s economic “think-tank” realized the dire straits some property-owners are in, with “upside-down” housing values and higher-interest mortgages. Through the Home Affordable Refinance Program, these particular borrowers are offered modifications that might lend some badly-needed, financial assistance. Touted as a stimulus program, HARP’s been extended through year-end, 2013. Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac-guaranteed loans are the only ones eligible, but you can owe more than your home’s worth. If you haven’t fallen behind on your installments, the program might be the perfect solution, even if your present lien-holder isn’t willing to modify your mortgage.
It doesn’t matter whether you have equity in your home, because HARP is designed to overcome this previous obstacle to refinancing. Lower interest rates can lower your monthly payment, or you can shorten the terms of your borrowing. This means you can get in a position to start accumulating some value in your home, despite downward pressure on home prices. Staying up-to-date on your payments is a pre-requisite.
It might be hard to believe that 90% of eligible homeowners don’t take advantage of the HARP option, even though they qualify and it could change their financial future.
To qualify, borrowers mortgages must be current for the previous six months, with no more than one late payment, in the past year. Loans must have been purchased by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae after May 31 of 2009, with loan-to-value ratios of at least 80%. There is no longer a 125% LTV cap on fixed mortgages, but there is a 105% LTV cap on adjustable rate mortgages. You may not need a new appraisal, in order to qualify.
You shouldn’t think that HARP’s a solution for the unemployed or those ready to be submerged in debt, including their ability to continue timely payments on their mortgage. To modify under the plan, your own home must consist of 1 to 4 units and you should have a lower mortgage payment, as a result. There are many borrowers who fit the required criteria, but there are a few other details to be aware of.
The first step is to find out whether your mortgage qualifies as being guaranteed or owned by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. Both government-backed lenders have initiated free loan lookup tools, to help you determine whether your mortgage loan qualifies for HARP. Refinancing your mortgage under the Home Affordable Refinance Program requires you to use a mortgage lender or processor involved with the program.
Certain government-guaranteed loans aren’t included in HARP eligibility, including loans for Veterans or those through the FHA and USDA. If you feel like you got “suckered” with above-market sale prices and above-market interest charges, due to bad timing, it’s possible you might be an ideal candidate for this solution.
Depending on the mortgage processor, there may be an appraisal fee, underwriting fee and application fee, so these are expenses to be aware of, when taking advantage of the HARP options, available. It is estimated the program could help more than a million homeowners, who find themselves “underwater” on home equity and locked into higher interest rates.
About: Lance Mohr is a real estate agent in Tampa with over 13 years of experience. For more information on Wilderness Lake Preserve homes for sale or Calusa Trace homes for sale please visit our website at Tampa2Enjoy.com.